Velocity determination near a bottom simulating reflector using post-stack generalized linear inversion

Bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) occur within oceanic sediments of the shelf, slope and rise systems of the worlds oceans. These reflectors mimic the water bottom reflection, and are thought to represent the phase boundary between solid gas hydrate above and methane below. Research into these gas deposits has been motivated by their potential as an energy resource. Because BSRs are pressure and temperature dependent, they are found in water depths greater than about 500 meters. These reflectors occur in most marine environments. However, due to gas expulsion associated with sediment compression, BSRs commonly occur near convergent margins. They represent isotherms and have been used to determine heat flow (Yamano and Uyeda, 1982).